Forces exerted during exercises on the uneven bars.

Abstract

The purposes of this study were (1) to develop a technique to measure the force exerted on uneven bars during a gymnast's performance, and (2) to determine the magnitudes of the maximum forces exerted on the bars during normal use. Strain gages, a UV recorder, and motion-picture cameras were used to record the forces exerted against the bars and the motions with which they were associated. Three college gymnasts were used as subjects. Each performed several repetitions of an exercise sequence judged to result in the maximum loading of the bars she might produce under normal conditions. The maximum forces recorded were 3500 N (low bar) and 2140 N (high bar). These values were recorded during a sharp impact between the subject's thighs and the bar during the passage of the subject beneath the bar in a giant swing, respectively. Making due allowance for possible measurement error and for the estimated effects of the bars being used by gymnasts of greater mass than those in this study, it was concluded that bars should be designed to withstand repeated loads of at least 4205 N.